tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post5088444994590769037..comments2024-03-26T13:47:55.472-07:00Comments on Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart: Your Dying Spouse 37 - Try To Remember {Five Minute Friday}Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-32151906785121407152017-08-04T11:48:59.540-07:002017-08-04T11:48:59.540-07:00Beth, well, gosh...please pardon my two-year-late ...Beth, well, gosh...please pardon my two-year-late reply!<br /><br />And yes, remembering can be even better...context makes it all the richer.<br /><br />Your prayers are so appreciated!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-1085478035162823702017-08-04T11:47:50.551-07:002017-08-04T11:47:50.551-07:00Tammy, thank you so much for saying this, for comi...Tammy, thank you so much for saying this, for coming back to this post...that I could help you is, for me, a gift and high honour.<br /><br />Love back, from all of us.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-80507001576551731242017-08-04T11:19:34.853-07:002017-08-04T11:19:34.853-07:00Oh Andrew,
look at what you did for me two years...Oh Andrew,<br /> look at what you did for me two years ago.<br />You encouraged me when I thought I had failed.<br />You shouted from the rooftops and cheered me with "you did it".<br />Bless you, my friend!!!<br />Love,<br />TammyTammysincerityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16959015797818229243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-87987229606303010932015-08-05T06:57:42.882-07:002015-08-05T06:57:42.882-07:00I think that sometimes the reminiscing of memories...I think that sometimes the reminiscing of memories can be even better than the original moments--especially when it's in the context of your situation, Andrew. I do hope there are many opportunities taken for this stroll down memory lane with your wife, my friend. Praying for you two!Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13156048755652103073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-33401762405316697252015-08-03T12:00:50.803-07:002015-08-03T12:00:50.803-07:00Well, Scrapper123 happens to be ME!! And, I have ...Well, Scrapper123 happens to be ME!! And, I have thought of changing that address many times; but I guess it IS who I am!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16954512718777249848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-87394789012837003802015-08-01T21:31:11.572-07:002015-08-01T21:31:11.572-07:00Judith, my warmest regards for the celebration of ...Judith, my warmest regards for the celebration of those 36 years...if this is ever needed, I hope, with all the sincerity and love at my disposal, that it will provide some measure of support and comfort.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here. Your "36 years" has measurably brightened a hard evening...I love that testimony, so elegantly profound in its simple statement.<br /><br />You give me hope. Thank you.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-80384808987933594022015-08-01T13:36:02.172-07:002015-08-01T13:36:02.172-07:00Andrew, I have nothing to share short of saying th...Andrew, I have nothing to share short of saying that this goes to a deep place where I will keep it should I ever reach this place as the one left behind. We have been married 36 years.Judith Kowleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13556208309928431416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-21780479390031564632015-07-31T21:03:22.824-07:002015-07-31T21:03:22.824-07:00Well, now you know my secret. I'm not tough - ...Well, now you know my secret. I'm not tough - a few years ago a dog by the name of Jolly Tulip (a name he didn't have at the time) had to be rescued from the clutches of officialdom, which wanted him dead. I'll tell the while story in the blog one day, but suffice it to say that his gratitude at being saved touched something deep inside me. I no longer had to have the hard shell; real strength came with compassion and love, and was informed and motivated by them.<br /><br />I did pick up on the 'less than completely satisfied' feeling...but in being out there, in DOING, you're heroic. Your best is the decision to take the first step, and not to quit until the last finish line's crossed, and you impressed me so much.<br /><br />And you are a model for me, Tammy; there are times I don't know how I will see the completion of what I've started, but I will now and forever have that picture in my head, of you running.<br /><br />Victorious.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-60748893371676260152015-07-31T20:56:32.500-07:002015-07-31T20:56:32.500-07:00When I thought of the scrapbooks, I was thinking o...When I thought of the scrapbooks, I was thinking of Scrapper123. We actually don't scrapbook; life's been so busy, that the personal memories have to be trusted to God's care, that they will be there when we need them.<br /><br />Being in 'this place'...and right now, as I am typing this, it is more awful than usual...wish I could bang my head against something but that's undignified...uh, where was I?<br /><br />Oh, right. The huge discovery, the one that I really hope comes through in every post, is that there is beauty and tenderness and joy in the most hard-pressed fight, if we'll just let them in. It's not even a matter of stopping and smelling the roses; you don't have to pause in contemplation. Just be open.<br /><br />And I thank you for your prayers; they help, and are appreciated. Please know you have mine, as well.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-26639547717357507782015-07-31T19:30:42.758-07:002015-07-31T19:30:42.758-07:00Andrew,
I'm going to "try" to comm...Andrew,<br /> I'm going to "try" to comment, but so many people have said it all. Instead, I will tell you that when I "tried" to comment to you last week and lost the comment, I ended with telling you that I was going to have you in the back of my mind during the run and if I felt like giving up-you would have your best drill sergeant voice barking at me to finish.<br /><br />Well, when I saw your comments and they were affirming and (oh my goodness Snoopy?!) (It's like you know me!)<br />Anyway, I almost cried. You're not tough at all. (except when you must be)<br />And I was picturing you doing the Snoopy dance. We can both laugh now. I was even hearing that very talented piano riff for a while. <br />So, you encouraged me more than you could possibly know. If you didn't pick up on it, I was a little less than satisfied with my results, but you said four times, and once was in all caps. "you did it." (You really went overboard-but I needed it!)<br />Not, "you could have done better"...because that's what I've been hearing in my head for a week.<br />Thank you, Andrew. You have freed me, and you didn't even know. My best is good enough.<br /><br />(and so is yours!!)<br />All God wants is for us to "try".<br />~TammyTammysincerityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16959015797818229243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-63450530363761361412015-07-31T14:46:11.566-07:002015-07-31T14:46:11.566-07:00Oh my, Andrew...yes, of course you did good - as a...Oh my, Andrew...yes, of course you did good - as always! Always able to put into words the "hard"; that which we don't want to face, yet must...and coming from someone in the stage of life you find yourself, I cherish those words; and pray you and Barbara cherish those memories!<br /><br />{As an avid scrapbooker, I had to smile when you wrote "open the scrapbooks". I have TONS of them around here!!}<br /><br />Your words inspire; touch and inspire others to live our lives in a different way...because, we don't know what is around the corner for us to deal with/live with...or when our time - or our loved ones' - is at an end.<br /><br />Prayers continue and I pray today that you and Barbara can share those memories and remember the WHY - why you fell in love however many years ago. Thank you, Andrew...just...thank you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16954512718777249848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-56816457498346226692015-07-31T12:56:14.855-07:002015-07-31T12:56:14.855-07:00Thank you for being here, Marie. Your presence and...Thank you for being here, Marie. Your presence and your support mean a lot to me.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-64602923126074692872015-07-31T12:26:40.218-07:002015-07-31T12:26:40.218-07:00I don't have words, Andrew. Thank you for shar...I don't have words, Andrew. Thank you for sharing this.Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04280944336944538944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-77615932996236993552015-07-31T11:38:02.859-07:002015-07-31T11:38:02.859-07:00The guidance from Above and the support that has c...The guidance from Above and the support that has come up alongside, to hold up my arms when strength fails...it's impossible not to celebrate, even in this, when so blessed.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here, Ruth.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-59521833189322822282015-07-31T11:36:21.859-07:002015-07-31T11:36:21.859-07:00Susan, I don't know what to say...except thank...Susan, I don't know what to say...except thank you, from the bottom of my heart.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-88556518837432860162015-07-31T11:35:22.501-07:002015-07-31T11:35:22.501-07:00Linda, thank so so very much...it's hard stuff...Linda, thank so so very much...it's hard stuff to write, sometimes, but God is showing the way, and giving me the strength.<br /><br />And you're right, it's not maudlin at all to share those memories. That's why God gave us a memory in the first place, to place what we have today in context, and to see His guiding hand (when we allowed it!) in our marriages.<br /><br />You're in my prayers, Linda. I hope the transitions you've gone through continue smoothly, and that you are in the comfort of His arms...always.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-40024392626446722212015-07-31T11:20:34.936-07:002015-07-31T11:20:34.936-07:00Yes, what a tough but victorious way to live, valu...Yes, what a tough but victorious way to live, valuing every moment, celebrating right in the face of death, as if to say, 'where is you victory?' Remembering is honouring and celebrating... and never letting any sickness steal your joy. Thanks again for pointing us towards 'life to the full.'Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-52046370824865905642015-07-31T07:03:18.310-07:002015-07-31T07:03:18.310-07:00Oh Andrew, you did so darn good. You try harder th...Oh Andrew, you did so darn good. You try harder than any FMF writer...you are an inspiration to me and all of us. xoSusanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14364430951695372897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-1474990268160139382015-07-31T05:49:43.525-07:002015-07-31T05:49:43.525-07:00Yep, there's a time and place to open the phot...Yep, there's a time and place to open the photo albums, pull out the scrapbooks, dig into the box of cards and letters that were tucked away.<br /><br />There's nothing maudlin about doing so, is there, friend. It's an important lifeline ... for both spouses.<br /><br />Good stuff here, Andrew. What a legacy you continue to build!Linda Stollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15568264417855502332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-85801984274187191362015-07-30T23:20:51.856-07:002015-07-30T23:20:51.856-07:00Denise, thank you...that means a lot to me. I neve...Denise, thank you...that means a lot to me. I never really have a feeling for how these posts come across, and knowing that they were effective is tremendously important. This is the hardest job I have ever had, and the most important. I truly want to do it right.<br /><br />And thank you for the prayers and blessings. They matter to me.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-65788784352140936612015-07-30T23:09:58.758-07:002015-07-30T23:09:58.758-07:00you continue to touch my heart deeply, bless you a...you continue to touch my heart deeply, bless you and Barbara. by the way, to answer your question, you did very well.Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09275456448997619944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-88185252767238403982015-07-30T22:19:35.111-07:002015-07-30T22:19:35.111-07:00"They bring tears, but they also bring peace ..."They bring tears, but they also bring peace and joy..."<br /><br />Oh, Debbie, those are the words of courage. Thank you so much for sharing your heart, and for being here today.<br /><br />And thank you for the prayers - you have mine, as well.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-22091041378634237982015-07-30T22:17:53.462-07:002015-07-30T22:17:53.462-07:00Your words are so very important to me, coming fro...Your words are so very important to me, coming from the heart of the bravest of the brave.<br /><br />Guys, whoever's reading this, PLEASE visit this amazing woman. She will leave you awestruck, and, like me, crying. Not from pity, but from thanks, that there are people like her, people with that brand of courage, in the world.<br /><br />Here's the link. Now, GO.<br /><br />https://syndalleigh.wordpress.com/2015/07/31/i-didnt-choose-this-dear-friend/Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-5288662584066387632015-07-30T22:14:51.505-07:002015-07-30T22:14:51.505-07:00That the hard words offer a softening...that's...That the hard words offer a softening...that's something I never considered! Thank you for that, Elizabeth. You just gave me the kind of clarity that helps me go on.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being here. Your presence is important, and your support...it's vital.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-46101377137967509932015-07-30T22:11:26.500-07:002015-07-30T22:11:26.500-07:00Andrew,
So much beautiful, heart-wrenching, hard-...Andrew, <br />So much beautiful, heart-wrenching, hard-to-really-live truth here. <br /><br />While I haven't lost my spouse, and he seems fine now, losing my daughter made me realize the truth that we must remember the good. We must live every moment with joy and find the gifts God gives, because those memories are precious. They linger. They bring tears, but they also bring peace and joy. <br /><br />Live well. Live together in all the moments your have here. Sing for joy in all because you have hope. <br /><br />Lifting you in prayer,<br />DebbieDebbie Putmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13866388937096374018noreply@blogger.com